Fremont County records five measles cases

RIVERTON (WNE) — Fremont County has joined Carbon, Niobrara and Natrona counties on the list of areas in Wyoming in which measles cases have been identified this year. 

The Wyoming Department of Health last week identified five cases in Fremont County, bringing the total infections this year in the Cowboy State to 14.

"All five cases are part of the same chain of transmission, with the initial exposures to measles occurring outside the state and potential subsequent spread among close contacts," the WDH said in a release.

A point of potential exposure was identified: The Flying J Travel Center in Evanston. Members of the public may have been exposed at that location on Dec. 1 between 2:30-5 p.m. Officials say the measles virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infectious person leaves the area.

The five Fremont County cases included both adults and children; all were unvaccinated against the disease. None have been hospitalized.

"Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause serious illness, including pneumonia, encephalitis, hospitalization and death," WDH officials noted. "The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine provides highly effective and long-lasting protection against measles infection. WDH recommends that all Wyoming residents ensure they and their children are up to date on MMR vaccines."

Measles is considered highly contagious. Those exposed to the illness typically develop symptoms between seven and 21 days after being exposed.

Measles symptoms include a high fever that could spike to more than 104 degrees, cough, runny nose, red and/or watery eyes, and a rash that breaks out three to five days after symptoms begin.

If someone in your family has measles symptoms, be sure to keep them away from family members who are not ill, keep everyone living in the home at home to prevent the spread of the disease, and contact a health care provider right away.

This story was published on Dec. 20, 2025.